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Rubiales’ kiss to Hermoso cost him dearly
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Luis Rubiales resigned from his position as president of the Spanish Football Federation, in the wake of criticism brought about by a kiss he had placed on the mouth of his country’s women’s national team striker, Jenny Hermoso, during the celebration of the team’s World Cup victory.
Hermoso, 33 years old, said that the kiss that took place after Spain’s victory over England in the final was not consensual.
Hermoso filed a lawsuit last Tuesday.
Rubiales said in a statement that he had submitted his resignation to acting president of the federation, Pedro Rocha.
In an interview with a television program, Rubiales said: “I cannot continue my work.”
Rubiales, 46, also resigned from his position as Vice President of the Executive Committee of the European Football Association, UEFA.
Over the past few weeks, Rubiales’ kiss to Hermoso has raised such a cloud of confusion in the Spanish football world that it overshadowed the celebrations for the coronation of the Women’s World Cup.
Rubiales ignored repeated calls to resign.
On Friday, Spanish Public Prosecutor Marta Dorantes Gil filed a complaint with the Supreme Criminal Court in Spain, against Rubiales, accusing him of sexual assault and coercion.
The move followed Hermoso’s testimony on Tuesday.
Rubiales claimed the kiss was “mutual and consensual”, but he had already been subject to a provisional ban by FIFA.
In light of Hermoso’s lawsuit against Rubiales, the latter may face criminal charges.
Rubiales’ statement said: “After FIFA’s quick decision to suspend me, in addition to the rest of the judicial procedures open to me, it is clear that I will not be able to return to my position.”
The statement added: “Insisting on waiting and clinging will not lead to anything positive, whether for the federation or for Spanish football.”
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Rubiales roams the field with Athena del Castillo on his shoulder
Rubiales expressed his hope that his departure would support the joint bid submitted by Spain, Morocco and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup.
“I believe in the truth, and I will do everything in my power for it to appear,” Rubiales said.
He added: “My daughters, my family, and those who love me have suffered the effects of excessive persecution, as well as many lies.”
About 81 Spanish players, including all members of the team that won the World Cup, said that they would not play for their country’s national team as long as Rubiales remained in his position.
Politicians and celebrities also criticized Rubiales, while angry crowds demanded his resignation in demonstrations last month in front of the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation.
Formal charges
Hermoso’s lawsuit was limited to sexual assault, but Spanish Prosecutor Marta Dorantes added to that a claim of coercion, after Hermoso told her that her relatives had been pressured by Rubiales and his entourage to say that [هيرموسو] “I was justified and satisfied with what happened.”
It is now up to the court to file formal charges against Rubiales.
Before the kiss incident, cameras captured a picture of Rubiales placing his hand on his penis not far from Queen Letizia of Spain and her daughter while celebrating the 1-0 win over England in Sydney.
The Supreme Court judge may consider the case and decide whether to accept or dismiss it. Once the case is accepted, a judge undertakes the task of investigating it. Under Spanish law, the penalty for sexual assault ranges from a fine to four years in prison.
2023-09-11 02:14:38
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